The Grinnell College Department of Theatre and Dance will present the original image-based performance “Flowers of E” on March 12-14 in Roberts Theatre in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts on the Grinnell College campus.

“Flowers of E” is inspired by the life and writings of 19th century French poet Charles Baudelaire. His collection of poems, “Flowers of Evil,” shocked readers with its brutal portrayal of the underbelly of Parisian society. “Flowers of E” takes the audience on a journey into this dark landscape of repression and desire, searching for glimmers of light amidst the shadows.

“Flowers of E” grew out of a five-week rehearsal period of improvisation and collaboration between the student cast and director Craig Quintero, assistant professor of theatre; scenic designer Justin Thomas, assistant professor of theatre; costume designer Erin Howell-Gritsch; and four actresses from the Taiwan-based Riverbed Theatre company. Quintero, Thomas, and the actresses from the Riverbed Theatre will travel to France to stage the production at the Centre Culturel Robert Desnos and at Taiwan’s National Experimental theatre this summer.

“Flowers of E” is not recommended for children under the age of 15. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. for the March 12-13 performances and 2 p.m. for the performance on March 14. Tickets are required for this free event and may be obtained at the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts ticket office beginning March 8-12 from 12-5 p.m. The Bucksbaum Center for the Arts is located at 1108 Park St. on the Grinnell College campus.